Colossians and Philemon

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Eight Studies for Individuals and  Eight Studies for Small Groups with exegetical notes on the text

These studies invite you to explore God's word and reflect on how you might respond. To do this you need guidance and the right tools for discovery. These eight studies on Colossians and Philemon offer both. This guide provides meaningful insights that explain the text of the Bible while at the same time assisting you to make connections between what the Bible is saying and your own personal life.

By reading the Bible, reflecting on its meaning, answering the questions and incorporating what God is saying into your daily life, you will grow in your understanding of God's word and also in your relationship with God.

Is there any connection between Christ’s superiority over all the competing spiritualities (Colossians) to the way a Christian ought to run his household (Colossians and Philemon)? Yes.  As you read the two letters, look for the links between the teachings about Christ and the advice for daily life

Copies of this study guide are available  on line by clicking on the link below and following the prompts

Colossians and Philemon Study Guide

Copies of this study guide are also available from:    Equip Rock Ministries, P O Box 346, Bayswater Vic 3153 Australia

Contents

The Colossians Challenge                       7

Small Groups                                              8

Seven Tips for better Bible study           9

Introduction                                                 11

1       Colossians 1:1-14             Getting a grip on true religion results in thankfulness and prayer

  • Individual study one                        16
  • Small Group study one                   18
  • Notes on the text - 1:1-14                 24

2       Colossians 1:15-23           Getting a grip on Christ's superiority in every sphere

  • Individual study two                         33
  • Small Group study two                    35
  • Notes on the text - 1:15-23              40

    The Church and its Function                   44

  • God's plan in operation
  • The Body of Christ - the Church
  • The Local Church
  •  Leadership in the Church
  • Responsibilities of Church Members 

3       Colossians 1:24-2:5          Getting a grip on the complete sufficiency of Christ and his gospel

  • Individual study three                       50
  • Small Group study three                  52
  • Notes on the text - 1:24-2:5             55

4       Colossians 2:6-23             Getting a grip on the gospel and the inadequacies of rituals and taboos                              

  • Individual study four                         60
  • Small Group study four                    62
  • Notes on the text - 2:6-23               66

5       Colossians 3:1-17             Getting a grip on a Christian mind-set and behaviour patterns 

  • Individual study five                          73
  • Small Group study five                     75
  • Notes on the text - 3:1-17                  78

6       Colossians 3:18-4:6          Getting a grip on a Christian style of  inter-personal relationships

  • Individual study six                          83
  • Small Group study six                     85
  • Notes on the text - 3:18-4:6            91

7       Colossians 4:7-18             Getting a grip on Christian team dynamics and players

  • Individual study seven                     94
  • Small Group study seven                96
  • Notes on the text - 4:7-18               101
  • A Helpful Tool                                  102

8       Philemon                            Getting a grip on Christian employee/ employer interaction

  • Individual study eight                    104
  • Small Group study eight               106

Appendix A     The expression: "In Christ," "in Him," "in Whom"

Appendix B     Conversion, Circumcision, Spirit Baptism, Believer's Baptism

Appendix C     The Marriage checklist 

Appendix D     Five ways to tell if your relationship is in trouble 

Appendix E     Enrich for Couples

Appendix F     Chronology of the Life and Ministry of the Apostle Paul

Bibliography and Acknowledgements